Updated on November 11th, 2022
If you are unsure what Lemongrass tastes like, it is a nutty, grassy, citrus-mint flavor. The nutty taste doesn’t overpower the rest of the meal, and it is a pleasant addition to teas, dipping sauces, and other dishes. Though most Lemongrass comes from Asia, it has been cultivated worldwide, and its aroma and taste are pretty unique.
The inner stalk is the yellow part of the Lemongrass that is the most fragrant. It can be eaten raw after removing its outer leaves. But this inner stalk is tough to chew and should be cut very fine before you start eating it. It is best to use the lower part of the stalk because it is fibrous and stringy. If you want to eat the entire stalk, you should only use the top, stringy part. The bulbous end isn’t edible and should not be added to your food.
What Is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, perennial grass that belongs to about 45 grass species native to Asia, Australia, and Africa’s tropical and sub-tropical climates. Lemongrass is grown along with the Western Ghats mountain range. Besides the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim in the Himalayan mountains, India is the world’s largest producer (over 2 million pounds per year).
In TeatuliaUSDA-certified ®’s organic tea garden in Northern Bangladesh, which borders India and is nestled against the Himalayan mountains, lLemongrassgrows spectacularly well. Teatulia’s Lemongrass Herbal Infusion, an invigorating, thirst-quenching herbal blend of Lemongrass and bay leaf, is made with this native Lemongrass.
What Does Lemongrass Taste Like?
Lemongrass is a citrus fruit with a lemony aroma. When cooked, it has a light, citrus flavor and can be substituted for fresh lemons in dishes. Its white stem is soft and juicy and is used in many different dishes. Traditionally, it is used in soups, but also in salads. It can be used as a substitute for real lemons.
Lemongrass can be intimidating at first, but it is easy to use. It needs to be removed from the stalk and bruised to release its oils. Its leaves should be green and firm, and the stalk should be trimmed before adding to the recipe. It is best to puree Lemongrass before cooking. Arugula leaves can be used as a substitute for Lemongrass; Just make sure to keep the stems clean!
Is Lemongrass Safe To Eat During Pregnancy?
Lemongrass should not be consumed during pregnancy because two compounds found in Lemongrass, citral and myrcene, have been shown to have adverse effects on the developing fetus. When consumed in high doses, myrcene can interfere with the fetus’s skeletal development and even cause a miscarriage.
Lemongrass consumption in concentrated forms, such as tea or supplements, can cause severe complications during pregnancy. Lemongrass is safe to eat in small amounts, such as in Thai dishes used as a seasoning, but it is best to avoid it entirely.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Lemongrass?
Lemongrass is probably safe for most people when consumed in typical food amounts. When used for medicinal purposes, however, there may be some concerns.
Lemongrass can irritate the skin when applied topically. High doses of Lemongrass can also cause dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive urination, and increased appetite.
According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, too much Lemongrass essential oil can harm the liver and stomach mucous membranes, and too much lemongrass tea can harm kidney function.
According to the medical center, Lemongrass should also be avoided by pregnant women because specific ingredients in lLemongrasscaused birth defects in rats when consumed in large quantities. Lemongrass should also be avoided by people who are undergoing chemotherapy because it may interfere with the actions of some chemotherapeutic agents.
Is Lemongrass Effective As A Mosquito Repellent?
Yes. Lemongrass is well-known for its mosquito-repelling properties. According to a study conducted in 2011, the intense odor of lemongrass oil killed or ultimately repelled around 95 percent of mosquitos from a specific range of species.
The effect of Lemongrass essential oil, also known as Citronella oil, lasts for about two and a half hours, and it’s even worse for some mosquito species.
Lemongrass has been touted as one of the best plants for repelling the impact of and from mosquitos because of these proven benefits. However, if you’re thinking about using lemongrass oil, we recommend that you do so only after consulting your doctor. This is because lemongrass oil is known to irritate the skin in some people.
Citronella, or Lemongrass essential oil, is FDA approved. It’s also the most widely used natural mosquito repellant, with plenty of mosquito lotions, sprays, and candles.
Consider planting lLemongrassalong your porch, walkway, or any other location close to the seating area if you want to deter mosquitos with its strong fragrance.
Plant this grass in a large planter that can be moved around to keep pests at bay and mosquitos at bay. They work well as mosquito repellent and have a pleasant scent.
Is Lemongrass Effective At Repelling Rats?
Like several other herbs, Lemongrass is high in essential oils that are effective rodent repellents. You’re probably aware that the sweet smell of nectar from flowers attracts a variety of pests.
Lemongrass has the exact opposite effect. Its pungent odor deters a variety of pests and rodents. Even though it does not kill them, this is an excellent plant for preventing rodent or rat infestation in your home.
Unlike several over-the-counter rat repellents, Lemongrass is entirely natural and thus chemical-free. Consider planting it near plants/vegetation heavily impacted by rats to use it as a rat deterrent.
Alternatively, you can plant it around the perimeter of your garden in pots. In either case, this will deter insects and keep rats and other rodents out of your home.
Is Lemongrass Effective In Repellent Lizards?
Lemongrass also repels lizards, and this is particularly true of common house lizards. These herbs have a citrusy odor that deters lizards from invading your home.
This odor is also highly refreshing, so your home smells fantastic. Simply gather a bunch of lemongrass blades and place them near your kitchen countertops, cabinets, or any other area of your home where lizards frequent. The odor and sharp blades will deter these reptiles, and your home will be lizard-free in weeks.
How To Use Lemongrass?
- The white stalk is used for cooking, and the fleshy inner stalk is eaten raw. The fibrous outer stalk of the Lemongrass needs to be bruised to release the oils. If you choose to use it raw, you should cut it into fine pieces and mash it with a knife or even puree it before using it in a recipe. You remove the bulbous end before cooking, as it is challenging and stringy to chew.
- If you’re unsure how Lemongrass should be used, you can always buy it online at your local Asian market. However, if you’re not confident about using it, you can cut it as finely as possible and add it to your dishes. When preparing a dish, make sure you cut it up and puree it to avoid a bitter taste. You can also use it as a garnish for cakes and cookies.
- Lemongrass is used in Thai cooking, and it can be found in many Asian countries, including Malaysia. You can also make tea with the dried stalk, and it has a minty, gingery, and lemony flavor similar to lemons. The best way to use it is by making tea with it. Its aroma is similar to the smell of fresh lemon, so it is best to prepare it in a liquid that will not overpower the rest of the dish.
Where Can I Get Lemongrass?
Fresh Lemongrass can be found in your local grocery store or Asian market. Look in the freezer for frozen packets if you can’t find lemongrass stalks in the fresh produce section. Lemongrass can also be purchased frozen and ready to use.
Fresh Lemongrass is usually sold in bundles of three to four stalks, held together by an elastic band. Stalks are about one foot long (or more). When buying Lemongrass, look for firm stalks rather than soft or rubbery ones, which indicate that it’s past its prime. Upper stalks should be green, while lower stalks should be pale yellow (almost white). If the outer leaves are crusty or brown, don’t buy them.
Conclusion
The yellow section of Lemongrass is used for cooking. The white portion of Lemongrass is the part that gives off the aromatic flavor. The bulbous ends should be removed before using it in a recipe. In addition, it is also used in Thai dishes. To prepare Lemongrass, you must first remove the white stalk of the plant. Then, you need to peel off the outer stalk. Once you have done this, you can cut the yellow stalk into slices. Once you’ve removed the white stalk, you can set the remaining segments aside.
Lemongrass is used for a variety of Asian dishes. To prepare it, peel it and remove the leaves. The stalk is the yellow portion of the plan, and you can use it in curry or soup. To use Lemongrass, you must bruise at first, and it should look like flakes and should be roughly cut into two to three inches. Once bruised, set the stalks aside and let them rest for 5 minutes before preparing them.